Why is there blood in my urine?
Blood in your urine (hematuria) can be concerning, but it’s often harmless. It can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition in some cases.
Blood in the urine could have a number of causes. Your kidneys or other parts of your urinary tract might allow blood cells to leak into your urine. Several factors could be causing this leakage, such as:
- Enlarged prostate
- Infection of the prostate
- Kidney disease
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney infections
- A bladder or kidney stone
- Cancer
- Inherited disorders
- Kidney injury
- Certain medications, like the cancer drug cyclophosphamide
Some factors might increase your risk of developing blood in the urine, such as a recent kidney, viral, or bacterial infection, aging, and strenuous exercise.
When should I visit a doctor if I see blood in my urine?
If you have any blood in your urine or any other symptoms or concerns about your urinary health, you should visit Urology Associates of Southeastern North Carolina for an evaluation and treatment. It’s important to get to the root cause of the blood in your urine and assess your general health.
You might notice red, pink, or cola-colored urine due to the red blood cells. It doesn’t take much blood to produce red urine and you might not have any pain with the bleeding. If you pass blood clots in your urine, it can be painful.
Certain medications, like some laxatives, and specific foods, like berries, rhubarb, and beets, can cause your urine to turn red. If your change in urine color is due to food, drugs, or exercise, it usually goes away within a couple of days.
How is blood in the urine treated?
Your urologist first determines the cause, typically with quality testing, such as a physical exam, imaging tests, urine tests, and a cystoscopy — an in-office procedure where your urologist threads a narrow tube attached to a tiny camera into your bladder. A cystoscopy allows your urologist to examine your bladder and urethra for signs of disease.
Depending on the cause of the blood in your urine, your urologist might suggest certain treatments, such as:
- Medication to shrink an enlarged prostate
- Antibiotics for a urinary tract infection
- Healthy lifestyle changes, such as nutritional counseling and stress management
- Surgery, for example to remove bladder stones or an enlarged prostate
Urology Associates of Southeastern North Carolina also offers advanced robotic-assisted surgical procedures with minimal downtime and scarring, smaller incisions, and a smoother and faster recovery.
Put your mind at rest about the health of your urinary system and call Urology Associates of Southeastern North Carolina or book online today.
